Nick Harris

Profiled Aug 2016

We decided it was about time we profiled our Club President – Nick Harris. He dedicates a huge amount of time to our sport behind the scenes, currently as Club President and as our representative on the Oversight Committee for Oceania/World Master’s Games. We all really appreciate the considerable time and energy you put in for us, Nick!

Number of years orienteering?
I'm surprised to say I'm into my 14th year.

How were you introduced to orienteering?
I phoned up because I wanted to learn to navigate for Adventure Racing, but got hooked on orienteering in that first event. It was a score event at Wilson Road (the farmland next to Rob & Marquita's). I was about 28 years old at the time - ever since I've wished I'd discovered the sport earlier! 

Key orienteering achievements to date?
I was pretty enthusiastic about improving my orienteering. I'm pleased that I managed to progress fairly quickly to M21E. I was seldom competitive in that grade, but it seemed the best place to test myself. I relished the challenge of the courses, and of racing with the best orienteers. My best "official race" result in M21E is 5th at Nationals Sprint at Epsom Campus. I've never been fitter than I was that year... It definitely pays to be super-fit in M21E. Staying fit got harder once kids arrived, but I was too proud to run M35 (mainly because there was noone in it), so I've accepted many a thrashing from younger faster stronger more skilled orienteers... in the end it was quite a relief to "graduate" to M40! 

Current orienteering project or goal?
My dearest goal is that my kids will learn to love the adventure that is orienteering. Tahi is 6 years old, Quinn 4 years, Lauren 1 year. I've had to be patient whilst they've been very young, but I think the boys are at a good age now.
As President of North West OC, I have a multitude of goals. It may be better to explain my goals for the club in another newsletter - but the big ones are (a) make the club easier to run through better use of IT; (b) ensure the stability of the Auckland Schools competitions; and, (c) plug the power of North West OC into the hosting of Oceania & Auckland World Masters Games, in April 2017. 

Favourite map and why?
Probably Naseby, in Central Otago, because of the bizarrely complex terrain; but also because it was one of the first big O trips I went on as a new M21E. This sport takes you to amazing places, and the best trips are where most orienteers stay in the same place - the Naseby forest & campground was a superb intro to orienteering trips! 

Map you have yet to experience but aspire to orienteer on?
I'm yet to experience orienteering in Scandinavia - I'll make the pilgrimage one day. 

Orienteering hero?
There are many people I respect and admire in Orienteering - the calibre of people is one of the things I like about the sport! If I had to single someone out, it would be Rob Garden & Marquita Gelderman because they live and breathe orienteering as a lifestyle. Both are top navigators and active competitors of course, which is worthy of respect in itself. But, what sets them apart is the warmth, energy and expertise that they bring to our club and our community. I'll not forget their friendliness and genuine interest when I first started in the sport, and I've observed it extended to many others over the years since. 

Day job?
Sport & Recreation Advisor at Auckland Council.

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